Kshamavani or "Forgiveness
Day" is a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness for the followers of
Jainism. Digambaras celebrate it on the first day of Ashvayuja Krishna month of
the lunar-based Jain calendar. Svetambaras celebrate it on Samvatsari, the last day of the annual Paryushana festival. which coincides with the Chaturthi, 4th day of
Shukla Paksha in the holy month of Bhadra. "Micchami Dukkadam" is the
common phrase when asking for forgiveness. It is a Prakrit phrase meaning
"May all the evil that has been done be fruitless".
Significance and Observance
On this sacred day, every member
of the Jain community approaches everyone, irrespective of religion, and begs
for forgiveness for all their faults or mistakes, committed either knowingly or
unknowingly. Thus relieved of the heavy burden hanging over their head of the
sins of yesteryears, they start life afresh, living in peaceful co-existence
with others. Indeed, this day is not merely a traditional ritual, but a first
step on their path to moksha (liberation) or salvation, the final goal of every
man's life, according to the teachings of Jainism.
Mahavira said we should forgive
our own soul first. To forgive others is a practical application of this
supreme forgiveness. It is the path of spiritual purification. Anger begets
more anger and forgiveness and love beget more forgiveness and love.
Forgiveness benefits both the forgiver and the forgiven.
Forgiveness is the other name of
non-violence (Ahimsa) which shows the right path of 'Live and Let Live' to one
and all. Forgiveness teaches us Ahimsa (non-violence) and through ahimsa we
should learn to practice for bearance.
Kshamavani Parva celebrates forgiveness as a way to a life of love, friendship, peace and harmony. When you forgive, you stop feeling resentful; there is no more indignation or anger against another for a perceived offence, difference or mistake; there is no clamour for punishment. It means the end of violence (Himsa).